Nine is Fine!

Reili turned 9 on February 12th! Hard to believe she is already that old. Harder to believe that I am already that old! Even though she was sick with a fever we were able to celebrate with some friends (the Thomas family). Here are some of the highlights:

A strawberry cake shaped like a strawberry (possibly the most tedious cake I've made so far).

Presents of course....the biggest is not pictured. She got a new bike.

Among the must haves....a candle in the shape of a 9. (Annika and Micah smile as backups).

Amberly, Annika and Reili. Let's Eat!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice....

...that's what little girls are made of. I just love the age when you can finally start putting little pigtails in their hair. Ellie has finally reached this stage and I had to share some of the cute pictures of her. (I know she is rapidly taking over this blog....but she is growing and changing so fast I have to capture some of the moments).

Not one....but two little ones!

Twin piggy tails....oldest and youngest.

A view from above.

Cheese....one on the side!

She is so cute...I just have to squeeeeeeeeeeze her!

Snow Days

This has been quite a week for storms in Missouri. We had a big (or what was supposed to be big) ice/snow storm that started Monday night. That closed the schools and kept everyone in on Tuesday and Wednesday and then the freezing temps that followed kept the schools closed the rest of the week. It didn't deter the kids from wanting to play outside (thankfully). I got a few shots of Wes and Ellie, while the girls were away playing at the neighbors. We woke up again this morning to more snow (more than even on Tuesday, 4-6 inches). Hopefully the streets will be back to normal by Monday and the kids can get back to school. We're all experiencing a little cabin fever!

Yahoo, Snow!

Little Ellie wishes she could be out there playing so bad!.....

...but it is just too cold for her mean Mommy to handle.